2017 KTM 1290 Super Duke R and 390 Duke

KTM's nakedbike stand at the recent EICMA motorcycle show in Milan certainly packed a punch, unveiling a mountain of updates to the 1290 Super Duke R and 390 Duke as well debuting the 790cc twin-cylinder Duke prototype called the 'Scalpel'.

The impossibly enjoyable and immensely spritely 1290 Super Duke R not only has a revised appearance with an LED headlight, running lights and sharper bodywork, but KTM's gone to town on the now Euro 4 LC8 V-twin engine with a 10mm shorter intake tract for a wider powerband and a higher compression ratio of 13.6:1 thanks to titanium inlet valves and new combustion chambers. Power is a whopping 177hp (130kW), and there's now cruise control added to the electronics suite.

The 1290 is now activated by a new transponder system called KTM RACE ON, while the rider gets to look at a new multifunction TFT display and illuminated menu switch.

The WP suspension now has harder springs front and rear for "high-speed excellence", matched to new OEM Metzeler MR7RR supersport tyres. The wider and lower handlebars have also been moved forward to maintain the more aggressive stance.

There are two optional packs: 1. 'Track' with launch control, a more aggressive mapping, and the anti-wheelie mode disengaged; and 2. 'Performance' with a quickshifter, motor slip regulation and KTM MY RIDE for smartphone integration.

The 1290-styled 390 Duke now has a ride-by-wire throttle metering fuel supply to the 372.2cc DOHC single-cylinder engine, complete with slipper clutch. Maximum output is 43hp (32kW).

The trellis frame now has a bolt-on subframe, mated to WP suspension, and other new bits include LED lighting, a TFT dashboard, adjustable hand levers, a larger fuel tank (up to 13.4 litres), revised rider and passenger seats and a new side-mounted exhaust. KTM MY RIDE is an option.

Final price and specification will be available closer to release.